The death of Sen. Paul Wellstone on Oct. 25, 2002, threw a close race into chaos. After Wellstone's memorial service, the DFL nominated former Vice President Walter Mondale to replace Wellstone on the ballot. St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, a former Democrat who is now a Republican, is the GOP nominee. Prior to Wellstone's death Social Security and U.S. military action against Iraq have emerged as two of the hottest issues in the race. Minnesota's two other major parties - the Green and Independence parties - have nominated writer Ray Tricomo and banker Jim Moore, respectively. Neither has held elective office.

Election Results

National Trends - The chart below shows any current shift in control of the U.S. Senate.